Harold Schnitzer’s enormous impact

Harold Schnitzer, founder of one of Portland’s most successful real estate firms, died early Wednesday morning of complications of diabetes.

He was 87.

Using the first three letters of his first and last names, Schnitzer formed Harsch Investment Properties in 1952. Today, the Portland-based real estate development, management and investment firm controls more than 130 properties across the West Coast. The empire he formed has an asset value that exceeds $2 billion. It is led by his son, Jordan Schnitzer.

His success and philanthropic generosity earned him a spot on the Portland Business Journal’s 20 Leaders of Change, a 2004 publication that celebrated the paper’s 20th anniversary.

The son of Russian Jewish immigrants, Schnitzer graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1944 with a degree in metallurgy and served as an Army ordinance specialist. Following the war, he opted to set out on his own and sold his share in the family’s steel firm, now known as Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc.

Together with his wife, Arlene, Schnitzer was better known in his later years for his support of the arts and his philanthropic efforts as he was for his shrewd real estate dealings. The couple were among the Portland Art Museum’s leading patrons, contributing millions to support operations and lending major pieces from their considerable personal collection.

No corner of Oregon was too remote. The Schnitzer family supported efforts to restore the Astoria Column, endowed galleries at Bend’s High Desert Museum and supported the University of Oregon’s Museum of Fine Arts.

The Business Journal asked business and civic leaders to comment on his contributions to the community:

John Kitzhaber

Governor, State of Oregon

“I am saddened by the passing of Harold Schnitzer. He was an anchor of our state and supported programs that enriched the lives of countless Oregonians. We will miss him. My thoughts are with his wife, Arlene, his son, Jordan, and the entire Schnitzer family.”

Sam Adams

Mayor, City of Portland

“Harold set a very high bar for what it means to be a civic leader — not just through philanthropy, but with his personal involvement in the arts community and through his work in business. He poured a tremendous amount of heart and soul into everything that he did, and will be truly missed. My thoughts are with his family.”

Dr. Joe Robertson

President, Oregon Health & Science University

“Harold Schnitzer was a community leader whose impact will be felt across all 96,000 square miles of Oregon for many decades to come. We will all greatly miss Harold and will never forget his dedication and commitment to the health and well-being of his fellow Oregonians.”

Bud Clark

Portland Mayor 1985-1992

“I always had a great admiration for him. His impact is all over the community. He started building apartments after the second World War and had a hand in everything from real estate to the arts community. You look around at all the things that have the name ‘Schnitzer’ on them and it’s amazing. Plus, the way he worked with Arlene and Jordan, they made their work into a real partnership. I’m really sorry he passed.”

“Portland’s really lost a great leader and somebody that really has done a phenomenal job in the arts. I think his legacy is basically in the arts. I think Arlene and Harold really led the way in modern art in Portland. He’s been a terrific mainstay in the Portland Art Museum. I don’t think the renaissance at the Portland Art Museum ... would have happened without Harold and Arlene’s help.”

J. Clayton Hering

President, NAI Norris, Beggs & Simpson

“We lost one of Portland’s great citizens. Harold gave back so much to the community. He was a mentor to all of us. Certainly I am a beneficiary of his wisdom.”

Joseph Weston

Principal, Weston Holding Co.

“He was a gentleman. He seemed to be a very honorable man and he did a lot for the community. He will be missed. He was much like me, very, very conservative. I think that was because we grew up in the Great Depression.”

Brian Ferriso

Director, Portland Art Museum

“The Portland Art Museum and the City of Portland have lost a great civic leader. Harold Schnitzer’s contributions, however, will continue to live on as we fulfill the important mission of our institution that Harold defined, shaped and strengthened.”

Allan Price

President, OHSU Foundation

“Anyone who has ever met Harold knows of his amazing generosity of spirit. He is beloved for his belief in the goodness of all people. He has always believed that once you were able to get the right people in the same room, anything could be accomplished. This belief and his approach to addressing the needs of others inspires all of us.”

Dr. Andrew Ahmann

“Harold was not only a dedicated supporter, he was a good friend to OHSU and the guiding spirit behind the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center at OHSU. He took great pride in the work that we do at the center. Thousands of patients have benefitted from this dedication. Countless others have been impacted by his kindness and sincerity. His memory will forever live on through our continued commitment to caring for others.”